BCE, which trades under the name Spaghetti Bridge, currently operates eight schools in the UK. The company was established by Downing and management in 2020.  

Downing has invested £10.9m to fund BCE’s acquisition and refurbishment of Valley Bridge, a school in Gloucester. With the refurbishment works now completed, the new independent day and SEND school will provide education services for children with a range of learning needs, including social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions including Asperger’s syndrome and associated complex needs.

All students attending the schools will have an Educational Health Care Plan and will be provided with additional support connected to their individual needs. BCE is working closely with local authorities and commissioners to meet local demand.

Downing has now opened eight operational sites with BCE with an additional two sites due to be completed soon, as it continues to build a market-leading specialist education business in the UK. BCE also operates schools in Paignton, Taunton, Yeovil, Cricklade, Yelverton and Plymouth.  

Torsten Mack, Investment Director, Downing, said:

“We are delighted to continue to support BCE with the opening of its eighth school marking the latest stage in their growth journey. This strengthens its position as one of the leading providers of specialist education in southern England. There is a growing need for SEND schools and BCE management continues to focus on filling this gap by opening high quality schools with Downing’s support.”

Dan Alipaz, CEO, Bridges Care and Education, said:

 “The opening of Valley Bridge is a significant milestone for BCE, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and quality education. The school will provide much-needed specialised education and support to children with diverse needs and will also contribute to the overall growth and well-being of the Gloucester community. We are proud to play a pivotal role in not only expanding educational opportunities for children with special needs, but also to provide new and innovative educational models that give children the opportunity to develop the necessary skills for a rapidly changing 21st century.”  

‍Downing's award-winning Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.

Typically, it looks for initial investment of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, leisure and hospitality, housing, and other specialist sectors.

Downing integrates analysis of ESG factors into its investment decision-making and supports companies to achieve positive outcomes in corporate governance, natural capital and societal factors.

Find out more information about the Downing Development Capital team.

‍